Iraqi asylum-seekers no longer need to be given automatic refugee status now that the security situation in their homeland is improving, says junior justice minister Nebahat Albayrak.

The cabinet is to discuss the issue on Friday, reports ANP news service, quoting sources in The Hague
Albayrak feels the special protection status given to Iraqis is no longer necessary and wants a return to the standard asylum system where each request is judged on its individual merits.
Vulnerable Iraqis, such as Christians and homosexuals, will however still be given special protection, reports ANP.
The number of Iraqis requesting asylum in the Netherlands rose by 40% in the first half of 2008.